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Best Dispersed Camping near Killeen, TX

6 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Killeen, Texas centers around several primitive sites along the San Gabriel River Trail and Belton Lake. The region includes four main dispersed camping areas: Iron Bridge Park at Belton Lake, Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites, Walnut Springs Primitive Campground, and sites along the San Gabriel River Trail. These areas provide free, primitive camping experiences with minimal amenities and no reservations required. Most sites require hikers to park at trailheads and walk in, though Iron Bridge Park offers drive-in access.

Access to these primitive sites varies considerably by location. The San Gabriel River Trail spans 26.2 miles around Lake Georgetown, with multiple entry points where hikers can park before trekking to camping zones. Most primitive sites require hiking between 2-6 miles from parking areas, with Walnut Springs accessible after a 2-mile hike from Russell Park or a 4-mile journey from Camp Tejas. Iron Bridge Park features a gravel parking lot with nearby grassy areas for camping and includes basic vault toilets, though campers should bring their own toilet paper. High clearance vehicles may be beneficial for some access roads, particularly the rougher sections beyond the paved areas at Iron Bridge Park.

These primitive camping areas feature a mix of forested and open terrain with varying proximity to water. The San Gabriel River Trail passes through forests, grasslands, and crosses tributaries, with approximately 40% of the trail offering tree coverage. Summer temperatures combined with exposed sections can make hiking challenging, so carrying adequate water is essential. According to one visitor, "This is primitive dispersed camping. There are no facilities or amenities at these camp areas. Pack in some water and bring a water filter to obtain more." Another camper noted that Walnut Springs has "large open areas, fire pits, lamp hangers, picnic tables, trees closer to the trail, and grassy areas closer to the water." Despite being relatively remote, some sites see regular traffic, especially on weekends when scout troops and other backpackers frequent the trail.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Killeen, Texas (4)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Killeen, TX

6 Reviews of 4 Killeen Campgrounds

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2019

    San Gabriel River Trail

    San Gabriel River Trail + Lake

    This is a review of the primitive (dispersed) campsites along the San Gabriel River Trail. 

    Upon entering one of the access points, park your car for free near the trailhead. It is good to advise one of the park attendants that you will be hiking or place a note inside your car that you are hiking. 

    The trail circles Lake Georgetown and is 26.2 miles. It passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries. 

    This is prmitive (dispersed) camping. There are no facilities or amenities are these camp areas. Pack in some water and bring a water filter to obtain more. Leave No Trace principals should be practiced. 

    There are a few areas with tent pads or clear areas where you may camp. But there are also zones where you may simply camp wherever you can setup a tent or hammock.  I'd say that 40% of the trail has some tree coverage, but 60% is exposed. 

    In the summer be aware that the combination of the temperature and the exposure can make this trail uncomfortable to hike. Take precautions, drink lots of water and stay in the shade all that you can. While you may be hiking within site of Lake Georgetown and the water, it is not always convenient to access the water. So be sure to carry plenty of water - at least 2 liters.

    The trail is getting more and more popular with backpackers, so it is likely that you may see others on the trail. On weekends you may encounter scout troops practicing backpacking. During the weekdays you may not see a single person.

    Dogs are allowed on the trail, but it is nice to keep them on lease.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2019

    Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites

    Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites

    This is a review of the Sawyer Park primitive (dispersed) campsites along the San Gabriel River Trail. There are no facilities or amenities are this campsite. Leave No Trace principals should be practiced.

    Upon entering one of the access points, park your car for free near the trailhead. It is good to advise one of the park administers that you will be hiking or place a note inside your car that you are hiking. 

    The Sawyer Park site is only accessible by hiking or by a boat. It is about 5 miles from the Tejas Campground and 5 miles from Cedar Breaks Campground. This is primitive (dispersed) camping. There are a few areas with clear land or tent pads where you may camp. But there are also zones where you may simply camp wherever you can setup a tent or hammock. There is an old latrine at this site, but it is in poor shape and no-one really uses it. Be prepared to dig a cat hole. 

    Many people stay at this site while hiking the San Gabriel River Trail. The trail circles Lake Georgetown and is 26.2 miles. It passes through forests, grasslands, over some small hills and across a few tributaries.

    In the summer be aware that the combination of the temperature and the exposure can make this trail uncomfortable to hike. Take precautions, drink lots of water and stay in the shade all that you can. While you may be hiking within site of Lake Georgetown, it is not always convenient to access the water. So carry plenty of water while hiking - at least 2 liters. 

    The trail is getting more and more popular with backpackers, so it is likely that you may see others on the trail. On weekends you may encounter scout troops practicing backpacking. During the weekdays you may not see a single person. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but it is nice to keep them on lease.

  • Guillermo L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Walnut Springs Primitive Campground

    Tent camping recommended.

    I'm very last minute camping trip on a Sunday evening to Monday morning... There was a backpacking group, a group of people who canoed in, and ourselves. Large open area; for fire pits for lamp hangers for picnic tables trees closer the trail and grass sea areas closer to the water. Can be biked in from camp Tejas four miles away or can hiking from Russell Park 2 mi away.

    No amenities; be prepared to dig cat hole, if drinking lake water be prepared to filter and sterilize. This is possibly the easiest campgrounds on the good water trail to get to which may result in there being more people at this site than others. This is the "first come, first serve" campground.

    Enjoyed our stay during a thunderstorm under the big trees.

  • Alexandra
    Jan. 13, 2021

    Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites

    Camped out of the campsite near the lake

    We ended up not following our AllTrails after a fork in the road heading towards the campsite, and were pretty pooped so decided to camp there off Sawyer Campsite Rd. People had clearly used the shore as a campsite before as there was a makeshift fire pit and some cleared areas for tents. water and views were beautiful, and it was a nice place to rest after the 6 miles in. Rain started pretty heavily (and being close to the water probably didn’t help with humidity inside the tent) and our rain fly was unwilling to cooperate so we got a bit wet. The home back in the rain was fine. A couple slippery spots but very doable. Overall great time here even though we weren’t at the official campsite.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 23, 2024

    Iron Bridge Park at Belton Lake

    Cool!

    This place is kind of out of the way, around 20/30 mins of driving off of the nearest highway/interstate. The area consists of a medium sized gravel parking lot and grassy areas with covered cement picnic tables as well as a boat ramp at the end. There are trash cans and two bathrooms (holes in the ground with four walls). Be prepared for no toilet paper lol! There are no real established sites, outside of plenty of space to park next to picnic tables and a parking lot. There is enough room to get a big rig to come through, park, and pull around. The gravel/ground is tightly packed with plenty of flat areas for tenting as well. For being so far back, the park is pretty busy. There are people that live out here and people that come out here for 12-6 am hunting/fishing/driving. We weren’t bothered at all, despite being in the way. The park is open 24/7 and doesn’t require a permit or pass of any kind. It’s far enough out of the way that the stars were beautiful, and despite being near a popular-ish waterway it did not smell like dead fish.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Iron Bridge Park at Belton Lake

    Nature everywhere

    When you get to the paved parking lot, take the gate yo the right and follow the road. It does get rough, so be prepared.

Guide to Killeen

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Killeen, Texas, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a true back-to-nature experience. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Killeen, Texas

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Iron Bridge Park at Belton Lake, do not require permits, making it easy for campers to set up without the hassle of reservations.
  • Be prepared for a more primitive experience; sites such as Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites offer no amenities, so bring your own supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles.
  • For those looking to hike in, the San Gabriel River Trail provides access to beautiful dispersed camping spots along the trail, perfect for backpackers seeking adventure.

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

Unique experiences for dispersed campers

  • At Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites, campers can enjoy the beauty of the San Gabriel River while setting up camp in a picturesque location that allows for fishing and swimming.
  • The River Backpack Area — Colorado Bend State Park is known for its wildlife sightings, including the occasional mountain lion, making it an exciting spot for adventurous campers.
  • For those who enjoy hiking, the San Gabriel River Trail offers a scenic route with multiple dispersed camping options along the way, allowing for a multi-day hiking and camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free primitive camping near Killeen, Texas?

Free primitive camping can be found at San Gabriel River Trail and Sawyer Park Primitive Campsites. Both offer dispersed camping along the San Gabriel River with free parking near the trailheads. These areas are accessible by hiking in from designated access points. While these sites require some effort to reach, they provide authentic wilderness camping experiences within driving distance of Killeen. Always check current conditions before heading out, as accessibility may change seasonally.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping around Killeen?

Dispersed camping around Killeen follows standard wilderness protocols. At Iron Bridge Park at Belton Lake, camping is permitted in designated areas beyond the main facilities. When camping at any dispersed site, practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, using existing fire rings when available, and respecting site capacity limits. It's advisable to inform park attendants of your plans or leave a note in your vehicle. Some access roads may be rough, requiring appropriate vehicles. Camping duration is typically limited to 14 consecutive days. Check with the managing authority (Army Corps of Engineers or Texas Parks & Wildlife) for specific seasonal restrictions.

What amenities or facilities are available at primitive camping sites near Killeen?

Primitive camping sites near Killeen typically offer minimal amenities. Walnut Springs Primitive Campground provides basic features like fire pits, lamp hangers, and picnic tables, with areas of trees and grass near the water. Most dispersed camping locations follow Leave No Trace principles, requiring campers to pack in and pack out all supplies. Water sources are limited to natural bodies of water that should be properly filtered. Plan to bring all necessary camping gear, food, water, and waste disposal bags, as these primitive sites don't offer trash collection, running water, or established restroom facilities.

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